Your 3-Day Family Guide to Myrtle Beach Holiday Getaway
The holidays shine brighter at The Beach! Where twinkling lights reflect off the ocean, cocoa replaces cocktails, and joy fills the salty air.
Myrtle Beach turns into a family wonderland this time of year, with cheerful lights, live shows, and endless kid-approved fun.
Much like that line from Nat King Cole’s classic The Christmas Song about “kids from one to ninety-two”, The Beach is a place where Christmas magic reaches everyone — young, old, and joyfully in between.
Whether you’re exploring as a family of four or bringing the whole crew, this 3-day itinerary is packed with festive experiences, great food, and magical memories for all ages.
Day 1: North Myrtle Beach Noel
Breakfast
Blueberry’s Grill
Barefoot Landing
Start your holiday getaway with a hearty breakfast the whole family will love. Blueberry’s Grill puts creative spins on morning favorites, from Blueberry Crème Brûlée French Toast to Crab Cake Benedict and fluffy omelets. Settle in, enjoy your coffee, and fuel up for a festive day exploring North Myrtle Beach.
Morning
Shopping at Barefoot Landing
North Myrtle Beach
Ease into your holiday shopping with a stroll through Barefoot Landing’s waterfront shops and boutiques. Browse for coastal gifts, let the kids help pick out stocking stuffers, and stop by The Christmas Mouse for an ornament to remember your trip. Leave time to enjoy the decorations and take a family photo along the walkways.
Lunch
Fun Coastal Eats at Barefoot
Barefoot Landing
Keep lunch close to the shopping with a family-friendly meal at Barefoot Landing. LuLu’s offers coastal favorites and a sandy play area, while Crooked Hammock Brewery pairs casual comfort food with craft brews for the grown-ups. For island-inspired dishes and views of the Intracoastal Waterway, grab a table at Big Chill Island House. On cooler days, settle in indoors and enjoy a relaxed meal before your afternoon show.
Afternoon
Matinee Holiday Show
North Myrtle Beach
Make a holiday show part of your family tradition. Alabama Theatre’s “The South’s Grandest Christmas Show” brings festive music, dance, and comedy to the stage, while Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre’s “Christmas on Main” celebrates the season with live music and small-town holiday charm. Choose one performance, book your seats ahead of time, and check the calendar carefully — matinees are offered on select dates.
Evening
The Great Christmas Light Show
North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex
After an early dinner, pile into the car for a two-mile drive through more than two million sparkling lights. The Great Christmas Light Show turns the park into a glowing holiday landscape filled with colorful displays and animated scenes. On Santa’s Village nights, park afterward for hot chocolate, s’mores, visits with Santa, and a ride on the Santa Express Train. Some activities cost extra.
2026 Planning Tip: The drive-through show runs November 23–December 30, with gates open from 5:30–9:30 p.m.; it is closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Santa’s Village opens Thursday–Sunday from November 27–December 6, then nightly December 10–30, except Christmas Day. Admission is purchased at the entrance gate, with no advance or online ticket sales. Arrive early and allow extra time on busy nights.
Day 2: Christmas by the Ocean
Breakfast
Croissants Bistro & Bakery
Grande Dunes Area, Myrtle Beach
Start your day with a taste of Southern comfort at Croissants Bistro & Bakery, where fresh-baked pastries and warm coffee make chilly mornings feel cozy. Settle in for breakfast, or grab a buttery croissant before heading out for a day of family fun. (Pro Tip: Croissants is closed on Sundays, so plan this stop for another morning of your getaway.)
Morning
Broadway at The Beach
Myrtle Beach
Choose your family’s favorite way to play at Broadway at The Beach. Little ones can marvel at the underwater world of Ripley’s Aquarium, while older kids challenge the family to a round at PopStroke. For an indoor adventure, team up to solve puzzles at The Escape Game — a fun option for families with older kids. Browse the specialty shops lining the lake for last-minute gifts, or head to nearby Topgolf, where heated hitting bays help keep the winter fun going.
Lunch
The Hangout
Broadway at The Beach
This family-favorite restaurant is part meal, part entertainment. Music, dance breaks, and interactive games keep the energy up while you dig into seafood, burgers, or salads. With plenty of playful touches throughout the restaurant, it’s a lively lunch stop before an afternoon by the ocean.
Afternoon
Explore The Gay Dolphin
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
Spend your afternoon oceanside exploring the shops and classic attractions. Pop into the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove — a Myrtle Beach legend filled with themed coves, quirky gifts, and coastal treasures. Let everyone pick out a souvenir, challenge the kids to a few arcade games, or stroll the Boardwalk for a family photo with the ocean behind you.
Evening
Winter Wonderland at The Beach
Downtown Myrtle Beach
After sunset, explore the free oceanfront holiday lights at Winter Wonderland at The Beach. Twinkling displays along the Boardwalk make a festive backdrop for an evening stroll together. Add a ride on the SkyWheel for sweeping views of the coastline glittering below. (Pro Tip: Check the event calendar for seasonal dates and special activities, and purchase SkyWheel tickets separately.)
Dinner
Oceanfront Dining
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
Keep the evening easy with dinner near the Boardwalk. Whether it’s burgers at LandShark Bar & Grill, seafood at Pier 14, or a meal with ocean views at RipTydz, there’s a casual spot to suit your crew.
Alternate Evening: Trade the Boardwalk lights and oceanfront dinner for Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. Its Christmas production combines acrobatics, holiday scenes, and a four-course feast. Book a Christmas performance ahead of time and allow time to drive to the theater.
Day 3: A South End Celebration
Breakfast
Johnny D’s Waffles & Benedicts
Surfside Beach
Start the day with one of the most famous breakfasts on the Grand Strand. Johnny D’s is a hit with families — kids love the Red Velvet Waffles, while parents savor coffee and creative breakfast dishes. For a quick option, grab pastries or bagels from Benjamin’s Bakery or Milk & Honey Coffee Cafe.
Morning
Explore Surfside Pier & Local Shops
Surfside Beach
Enjoy a low-key morning strolling the pier or browsing small shops and surf stores for coastal gifts. Take in the ocean views, snap a family photo, and enjoy the quieter pace of Surfside Beach during the holiday season.
Lunch
River City Cafe
Surfside Beach
After a morning exploring Surfside Beach, gather the family for a laid-back lunch at River City Cafe. This oceanfront favorite serves up creative burgers, sandwiches, and generous baskets of fries in a colorful, casual setting. Fuel up, enjoy the coastal views, and save a little energy for an afternoon of holiday shopping in Pawleys Island.
Afternoon
Hammock Shops Village
Pawleys Island
Wander beneath the moss-draped oaks through this charming collection of boutiques and artisan stores. Browse the Original Pawleys Island Hammock Shop, look for coastal gifts, and finish some holiday shopping before an evening of twinkling lights.
Evening
Nights of a Thousand Candles
Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet
As night falls, Brookgreen Gardens glows with thousands of candles and countless lights across its beautiful sculpture gardens. Sip cocoa, enjoy seasonal music, and marvel together at this beloved South Carolina holiday tradition. (Pro Tip: This event runs on select nights, and tickets sell out quickly — check the calendar and book ahead!)
Dinner
Waterfront Dining
Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Wrap up your getaway with waterfront dining at Wicked Tuna, Dead Dog Saloon, or Drunken Jack’s. The MarshWalk’s holiday lights sparkle across the water, making a festive backdrop for your family finale. Check restaurant kitchen hours before heading over, or enjoy an early dinner before your visit to Brookgreen Gardens.